Noel Coonan (Tipperary North, Fine Gael)
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We will resume the meeting in public session to hear from Mr. Bill O'Herlihy on his designation as chairperson of the Irish Film Board, Bord Scannán na hÉireann. I welcome Mr. O'Herlihy and thank him for his attendance.

I draw attention to the fact that, by virtue of section 17(2)(l ) of the Defamation Act 2009, witnesses are protected by absolute privilege in respect of their evidence to the joint committee. However, if you are directed by the committee to cease giving evidence on a particular matter and continue to do so, you are entitled thereafter only to qualified privilege in respect of your evidence. You are directed that only evidence connected with the subject matter of these proceedings is to be given and you are asked to respect the parliamentary practice to the effect that, where possible, you should not criticise or make charges against a person, persons or an entity by name or in such a way as to make him, her or it identifiable. I advise you that the opening statement and any other documents you have submitted to the committee will be published on the committee's website after this meeting. Members are reminded of the long-standing parliamentary practice to the effect that they should not comment on, criticise or make charges against a person outside the Houses or an official by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable.

Before the commencement of the presentation, I should say that the Irish film industry is one of our most important, providing investments and jobs directly through its own activities and indirectly through its promotion of Ireland and Irish things. Therefore, I am particularly glad to have the opportunity today to discuss Mr. O'Herlihy's future role as chairperson of a board in this important sector. I ask the witness to begin by providing some details of his professional career to date and how this will assist him in his new role. I am also interested in hearing plans for the future and how the witness sees his role as chairperson contributing to the success of the Irish Film Board.